Kenya-based budget carrier, Jambojet, has suspended flights to Lamu, dealing a blow to tourism on the archipelago.

Jambojet Chief Executive Officer, Willem Hondius, said the carrier had stopped flights between Nairobi and  Lamu last week, citing the bad condition of the airport.

Hondius explained that the apron, taxiway and runway at Lamu County’s Manda Airport was in bad shape, making it difficult for the airline’s aircraft to land or take off.

“Manda Airport’s apron and taxiway had deteriorated to such an extent that we could no longer operate our aircraft on the route,” he said.

“Apparently, even the runway was in bad condition. The airport’s services were not good enough and that’s why we suspended our flights.

“We assure our customers that we will make a decision to fly back to Lamu when the Kenya Airports Authority improves the facility.”

County Tourism Director, Ali Mohamed, said Jambojet’s suspension of flights to Lamu was a major blow to tourism on the archipelago and had triggered cancellation of hotel bookings at the beginning of the high season.

“Jambojet was popular because it’s a low-cost airline and also had more seat capacity than other operators,” he pointed out.

Mohamed called on the Kenya Airports Authority to rehabilitate the apron, taxiway and runway to enable aircraft land safely at the Manda Airport.

A KAA official who wished not to be named said the Authority was in the process of rehabilitating the airport’s infrastructure for smooth aircraft operations.

He, however, noted that other local airlines such as fly540, Air Kenya, Safarilink, Skyward Express and SAX were still operating flights between Nairobi and Lamu.